Arsenal - Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners to sign Real Madrid winger Rodrygo Goes, after the Spanish giants reportedly informed the Brazilian that he is free to leave this summer. According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Rodrygo is no longer considered untouchable at the Bernabéu, with Los Blancos setting an asking price of €90 million (£76.8m).
The 24-year-old’s uncertain future has opened the door for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to make a significant move, with The Mirror and FootballTransfers confirming “positive discussions” between Arsenal and Real Madrid. The Gunners, under new sporting director Andrea Berta, are pushing to capitalise on Rodrygo’s reduced role in Madrid following Kylian Mbappé’s arrival and Xabi Alonso’s appointment as manager.
Rodrygo, who joined Madrid from Santos for £39 million in 2019, has netted 68 goals in over 200 appearances. However, he struggled for regular starts last season, with just 22 LaLiga appearances from the off, often forced to play out of position on the right to accommodate Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé. His frustration reportedly peaked during the Club World Cup final, where he was an unused substitute, with youngsters Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono preferred.
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Arsenal view Rodrygo as a perfect fit for the left wing, a position where they may need reinforcements amid uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli, who has been linked to Bayern Munich, and Leandro Trossard, who enters the final year of his contract. Arteta is said to see Rodrygo as a key part of a reimagined front three, potentially lining up alongside Bukayo Saka and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško.
Arsenal - Rodrygo
Rodrygo (Image credit: Getty Images)
Inside the Arsenal camp, the move has support. Defender Gabriel Magalhães recently called Rodrygo a “phenomenon” on Brazilian podcast PodPah, stating: “If it was up to me, of course [I’d want him at Arsenal]!” Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards echoed the sentiment, saying on The Rest is Football podcast, “Rodrygo would be a success at Arsenal.”
While Arsenal are leading the chase, they are not alone. Manchester City remain quietly interested, described by The Mirror as “always there,” while Chelsea and Tottenham have also made enquiries. However, Arsenal’s strong Brazilian connections including scout Paulo Xavier, who previously worked with Rodrygo’s father and agent Eric Goes could prove decisive.
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Real Madrid are expected to delay setting a definitive price until Rodrygo formally requests to leave. However, reports suggest the club is open to a sale to raise funds for further reinforcements under Alonso. Arsenal, meanwhile, are planning to fund the deal through player sales. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior are both linked with exits potentially bringing in around £17 million.
The Rodrygo pursuit comes amid an aggressive summer window for Arsenal. The club have already signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51.2 million, submitted an €11 million bid for Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard, and completed a £5 million deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
With momentum building, and Šeško’s recent Instagram activity fuelling further fan excitement, Arsenal’s ambition to construct a title-winning side is clear. Rodrygo’s final decision will be pivotal in shaping that vision. Should he choose to join Arteta’s project, it could mark a defining moment in Arsenal’s summer rebuild and their push for Premier League glory.
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